Regina Barton called me to inform me of the passing of an old Venice character–Gail Gordon. She called me because I was part of Venice for many years and knew so many of the colorful characters quite well. Perhaps, I was even one of the colorful characters who chose to live happily in Venice. Regina told me she is writing Gail’s obituary for the Venice Beachhead and wanted to know if I had anything to contribute.

I knew and loved Gail. Gail was lovable. I first met Gail when I went to visit Adrienne Prober at her studio on Ocean Front Walk. There I also met Sonny Zorro, Gail’s long time boyfriend. Gail was walking around the studio totally comfortable stark naked while Sonny and Adrienne were discussing art. As an artist who lived in Venice that scene looked okay to me.

Later I did a painting of Sonny Zorro at my studio apartment on Clubhouse. The painting was completed in three hours and my former art teacher advised me to not touch it again and put it in a good frame. Tibor Jankay, a very famous Hungarian artist who also painted around Venice and with whom I was close friends came to my studio and looked at the painting. Tibor liked the painting and named it for me; “Sonny Zorro, King of the Boardwalk.”

I have included a photo of this painting with my permission for you to publish it. (See the painting on page 12)

Therese Daniels

————

Retake OFW for the People

Dear Beachhead,

The historic Free Speech Zone between Windward and Rose on the Boardwalk on Venice Beach is in danger. As part of the gentrification plans of the city powers and developers, they are attempting to morph this zone into another swapmeet for imported junk and jewelry in preparation for getting rid of it altogether. This mile and a half stretch of beach and boardwalk has long been one of the world centers of free expression. It has been a place where artist and musicians could commune with the public and most importantly where political, philosophical and religious groups of all types could communicate with the people.

If the City Masters have their way all this will change, but you can stop it!

Help us save the Free Speech Zone on Venice Beach. We are inviting all groups that support free speech to come to Venice Beach this summer and table on the boardwalk. It doesn’t matter if you are for peace or support the wars, whether you are atheist or want to promote your religious beliefs, help the homeless or build public awareness about socialism. global warming or chemtrails, you need the Venice Beach Free Speech Zone, and this summer it needs you.

On any given Sunday more than 30 thousand people will walk from Windward to Rose, so what better place to do your thing? We are calling on all people and groups that are so inclined to help us rebuild the Venice Beach Free Speech Zone, starting with Sundays and congregating around Dudley Ave and the Boardwalk we will be retaking the west side of the boardwalk for the people. Talk it over with your group, bring a table and chairs, your flyers, books, CDs, DVDs and signs. Enjoy the beautiful weather and the scene. Get your word out to the people as you have never done before and while you help save the planet, help us save Venice Beach.

For more information, and to get involved, you may contact me at Linux Beach, 581-1536.

Clay Claiborne

————-

Michael Jackson

Dear Beachhead,

As a fellow Venice dweller, and Michael Jackson fan, I would like to

submit a cartoon tribute to the Letters section of the Beachhead

newspaper to pay my respects to this exceptional man. The image that I

am sending to you is called, “With Love, A Tribute.”

I hope that you can print it. I know that many other Michael Jackson

fans out there will appreciate it as well.

Thank you for your time,

Regards,

Shannon O’Brien

————-

Advertisements on the Beach

Dear Beachhead,

Why do Body Glove and Konoa/Aquasurf get free advertisements as well as space on Venice Beach?

They are making money on the taxpayers/citizens dollars! This surfcamp with four tents daily is at the North Beach border. Santa Monica camps have guidelines and the tents are not adverts. –Cory Zaun

Dear Beachhead,

Why do Body Glove and Konoa/Aquasurf get free advertisements as well as space on Venice Beach?

They are making money on the taxpayers/citizens dollars! This surfcamp with four tents daily is at the North Beach border. Santa Monica camps have guidelines and the tents are not adverts.

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